Taketsuru Pure Malt Essentials 2026 Launches at $249.99

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (September 25, 2026) – Nikka Whisky has released Taketsuru Pure Malt Essentials 2026 (43% ABV, 700ml, $249.99 SRP), the first bottling in an annual limited-edition series honoring founder Masataka Taketsuru, widely considered the Father of Japanese Whisky. Only 1,200 bottles are available nationwide.

The series will run annually through 2030, leading up to the 30th anniversary of the Taketsuru Pure Malt brand. Each release will explore a distinct theme while keeping the balance that defines Taketsuru Pure Malt: a blend of single malts from Nikka’s original Yoichi distillery (built in 1934) and the Miyagikyo Distillery (built in 1969).

“Taketsuru Pure Malt is the most emblematic expression of Nikka – the blending of both Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts, creating an expressive balance of the two distillery’s styles and the exceptional skills of the Nikka blenders,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Education, Global PR Leader. “This is the whisky that truly tells the story of Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, and his vision of whisky produced in Japan.”

What Makes the 2026 Edition Special

Yoichi focus: The inaugural release highlights Nikka’s birthplace, the Yoichi Distillery on Hokkaido, and its direct coal-fired distillation method. The bottling emphasizes round, rich maltiness, expressive maturity, and peaty, smoky depth, with a sweet yet slightly bitter finish. The 43% ABV matches the original Taketsuru Pure Malt and brings out the extra character of the Yoichi malts.

Rare 2000 whisky: The blend includes batches from both Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilled in 2000, the year Taketsuru Pure Malt debuted. These batches are extremely rare because Nikka faced major market changes at the time and drastically scaled back, nearly freezing, production.

Indigo label: Each release in the series gets its own label. The 2026 edition is dominated by Yoichi Single Malt’s signature color, traditional Japanese indigo blue.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Malty and gently toasty, with subtle baked cookie notes, sweet-tart apricot jam nuances, and a calm, well-matured oak presence.
Palate: Full-bodied and rich, with malt sweetness seamlessly integrated with the depth of peat, revealing a layered palate with quiet complexity.
Finish: Pleasant and lingering. Malt sweetness continues gently alongside soft peat and a subtle, slightly bitter oak nuance before fading calmly.

Price and Availability

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
SRP: $249.99
Quantity: 1,200 bottles
Availability: Select markets beginning this month
Learn more: nikkawhiskyusa.com | Instagram: @nikkawhiskyusa

About Nikka Whisky Distilling Co.:

Founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, Nikka has more than 85 years of blending mastery. Malt whiskies from its Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries and grain whiskies from Coffey Stills remain the core of its portfolio, imported in the U.S. by Hotaling & Co. Visit nikka.com/eng.

About Hotaling & Co.:

A San Francisco-based importer of artisanal spirits, Hotaling & Co. (originally Anchor Distilling Company, founded 1993) represents Nikka Whisky, Luxardo, Kavalan, Old Pulteney, Arran, and more. Visit HotalingandCo.com.